WELL-MEANING Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

well-meaning

adjective

Definition of well-meaning

as in generous

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of well-meaning So, too, does the idea that a soccer coach could close fissures that even the well-meaning among career politicians have failed to seal. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 June 2026 There must be something magical about Block Island after all, but only time will tell if that magic will extend to Jo-Ellen and Rulla, who still doubts that Jo-Ellen’s proof was well-meaning. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026 Still, there are some smart, well-meaning voices of caution who warn Democrats against forgetting their scruples. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 The basic difference between my first draft that sold and my later drafts was that the Cable Guy character became less well-meaning in the third act and the Matthew Broderick character had to fight the Cable Guy harder, intellectually, to get him out of his life. — Simon Bland, IndieWire, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-meaning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-meaning

Adjective

The rooms Rooms are clean and bright, content to sit back, relax, and let the killer oceanfront views do much of the work where possible; first order of business are massive windows and glass doors leading out onto generous balconies.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Before going to bed, Joy leaves out a generous spread of midnight snacks packed full of chicken for the guests, who stay up late.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of generous

Adjective

As news of Mackie’s death spread, friends and fans are remembering a kindhearted and joyful man whose designs illuminated some of the world’s biggest stars on both stage and screen.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026
Beatty portrayed River—the kindhearted fiancée of one of the siblings—until the play closed in June 2024.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of kindhearted

Adjective

The five years between home playoff games were not kind to fans of the South Siders.

— Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026
For her performance as Thelma, the kind young stranger who shares a bus trip with the elderly woman returning to her long-ago home in Bountiful, Saint won the 1954 Outer Critics Circle Special Award.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of kind

Adjective

And Sanders is credited as an altruistic, creative genius by diners, influencers and the media.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
On a more altruistic front, Leighton also stands ready to end a gruesome pandemic in another world, turning up with vaccines and medications like a multidimensional DoorDash service.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of altruistic

Adjective

Larger-than-life Halloween celebrations rise up every October like the Great Pumpkin (or a benevolent spooky spirit or two) to captivate visitors with parades, caramel apples, costume contests, and more.

— Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026
Promotional images and films conjured a playful, adaptable and benevolent house — plastic as the building block of family happiness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of benevolent

Browse Nearby Words

well-known

well-meaning

wellness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Well-meaning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-meaning. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of well-meaning

adjective

Example Sentences

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